What is an architect?

An architect is a highly-trained, creative professional with the knowledge and skill to design buildings, spaces, and places which support a wide range of human activities. Architects not only design the places in which we work, play, worship, eat, sleep, and reflect, but have an ethical responsibility to protect the public interest within a highly regulated framework.

Practicing architects are licensed individuals possessing robust and diverse knowledge in all matters pertaining to building design and construction including, but not limited to:

  • History and Theory of Architecture

  • Principles of design

  • Materials science and construction systems

  • Engineering Systems

  • Economics

  • Business and legal principles

  • Site planning and Urban Design

  • Interior Design

  • Landscape Design

  • Building Codes

  • Zoning By-Laws

  • Quantity Surveying

  • Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment

  • Technical Specifications

  • [and much more]

Before being admitted to the profession, an individual must first complete a Bachelor's degree, a Master of Architecture degree (from an accredited University), approximately 3720 hours of supervised internship, and four professional exams. Once all exams are successfully completed, and a professional license is obtained, the architect must complete mandatory “continuing education” for the duration of their career. This ensures the architect remains current with codes, standards, and industry trends.

What does an Architect do:

In some ways, the services of an architect are limited only by the imaginations of their clients. Most often however, architectural services are broken down into two categories; Traditional Services and Non-Traditional Services. Traditional Services are those required to design and document a building project for the purposes of regulatory applications and construction, while Non-Traditional Services  generally pertain more to the definition of project requirements. In other words, helping the client determine what they need, how much it will cost, and where they can build it.

Perhaps more important than outlining the capabilities of an architect would be to understand their limitations. An architect cannot:

  • Stamp drawings prepared by others

  • Predict the future

  • Guarantee outcomes

  • Take responsibility for the actions of others

  • Control economic factors influencing the cost of construction

  • See through walls

  • Intuitively know what our clients are thinking

  • Instantly develop fee estimates for professional services

  • Contravene applicable codes and regulations

Still have questions? Let us know!